Back at it!

Been way too long since the last post. There is, however, an ol' DuBois adage of, no news is good news. So, that'll be what I'll say we're pleading... But, wil try to share more on the blog from now on.
After a wonderful summer, full of quality time with friends and family, a few projects, and some strange weather, we're back in Beijing for our fourth year. It's hard to imagine that we're already this far into our overseas experience. But, looking back at all we've done, we've been blessed with some amazing experiences. Lord willing, it shall continue.
Baia continues to blossom into a very strong willed, beautiful girl. Not one to back down from much, we've been the recipients of a few colorful tantrum fits, unlike anything Kieran or Kellan put on us. She has her circle of friends, and some great routines during the week when we're away at school that keeps her busy and social.
Kellan is in the 4 year old class at school. He loves school and nearly always flies out of bed on school days wondering when he can get to school. Whether it's riding the bus, playing on the playground, eating lunch, or discovering new things in class, he's up for whatever the experience has in store for him. And he's usually going 100 miles per hour as he jumps in.
Kieran, now a second grader, has become more and more involved in sports. Soccer, baseball, and basketball are all on his weekly diet of extra activites after school. He also is finding success as a reader, thus instilling a love of reading.
Laurie and I continue to enjoy our roles as educators in the elementary and middle schools. There are always things to do, so we rarely have quiet moments in school or at home. With that said, we'd have it no other way.
Outside of school, Laurie took Kieran to a Duke vs. China basketball game a few weeks ago. One of those experiences that are offered and a person can't pass it up.
We also have booked a trip to Boracay in the Phillipines over the Christmas break. While it's hard to be away at such a special time of the year, we are looking forward to a tropical holiday in a place that many call paradise.
We wish you all well wherever you are. Stay tuned for a post in the near future with some photos.

New Years in Thailand

The boys enjoyed the park daily and on New Year's Eve they enjoyed the painting activities offered.

This was our deck of our two-bedroom apartment overlooking the green space. Was a great place to relax and have lunch out of the sun.

We all got to touch a baby tiger-which was absolutely amazing! The park could only keep the tiger for another three months b/c it was getting too big. Beautiful creature!

Baia didn't care for the beach much so she preferred to be in her stroller laying down when we were out in the sand and water. Finally the last couple days she got more used to it. She was pretty sick the first couple days we were there so i think she associated her sickness with the wind and sand?

Chinese Lanterns were lit on New Year's Eve Kieran and Riley got to let one go after the kids fireworks went off. It was beautiful to see the 20 lanterns drifting off into the night sky.

Kellan absolutely loved the ocean!

Daily ice cream for the kids-their favorite kind was the green sherbert!

Riley "volunteered" to go out and get a "massage" from one of the elephants at the elephant show. If you look closely you will notice his legs are crossed to try to protect himself. He walked away uninjured thank goodness!

We went on a hour-long elephant trek through the bush and through a couple swamps. A little bumpy but definitely a treat!

Baia was a little tuckered out from playing in the pool. In this picture she fell asleep with a sucker AND her thumb in her mouth. When i tried to take the sucker away-she got mad so i gave it back to her. She went right back to sleep with it!

An attempt at a family picture on New Year's Eve. Happy New Year-welcome 2011!

Boys acting like they like each other again-i love it when they get along.


We had a great week-long vacation at Dolphin Bay in Thaland. We had a rocky start as Baia was pretty sick our first 2 days down there and the rest of us were all getting over a cold/flu bug that wiped us out on Christmas and the day after.

We met up with a couple of friends the first couple days-which was great. Kept the kids entertained. Then we spent the days playing in the little park, chilly-pool with a slide, and walking and swimming at the beach. The resort we stayed at was super family friendly and served our purposes well. We will definitely go back there again if we return to Thailand.

We spent one afternoon going on an elephant trek, watching an elephant show, and petting a baby tiger. Then we stopped at the Night MArket in HuaHin for a couple hours and got the kids a few things. The rest of the time was spent relaxing and entertaining the kids.

Kellan enjoyed getting wet whenever he could-it didn't matter if it was in the pool or beach. He wasn't so sure about the slide since he started out going down that-it was a little fast for him. Kieran loved the beach-looking for shells was his favorite. He was picking up crabs one afternoon and was suprised when one pinched him pretty good! He also enjoyed playing soccer with dad while Baia and Kellan went on and on on the swings. Baia didn't give mommy much of a break-but after she started feeling better started gettting a little more independent. She enjoyed the pool but did not like the beach at all. There was a little playhouse at the park which she really enjoyed as well.

We spent 6 days at the resort and then headed to Bangkok for one day before flying out early Wednesday morning. We went to a big shopping mall and were overwhelmed by all the junk food and other shopping available. We gourged ourselves with dairy queen, A & W, and dessert waffles. The boys both got a toy which made their night. Then we headed to our $30 a night hotel and got a little shut-eye before getting up at 4:45 AM to catch our flight.

All and all it was a great vacation. I could have used another few days but it is nice to be back home in Beijing.

We hope you all enjoyed your Holidays as well!